The UK's light commercial vehicle (LCV) market continued its positive trajectory in November, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth.
Registrations surged by 10.5% compared to the same period last year, with a total of 30,300 new vans, pick-ups, and 4x4s hitting the roads. This figure represents the second-highest November on record for the market.
Growth was evident across all van weight classes:
While 4x4 registrations grew by 33.4% to 786 units, pick-up registrations declined by 20.4% to 3,012 units.
The drop is particularly concerning given the recent Budget announcement, which will impose car-like rules on double-cab pick-ups tax from April 2025. It's a move that could significantly impact businesses reliant on these vehicles, such as those in construction, farming, and utilities.
Electric van uptake has shown positive momentum, increasing by 36.7% to 2,322 units in November, reversing several months of decline.
The increase can be partially attributed to news that the Plug-in Van Grant will be extended for another year.
However, the government's mandate for 10% of new van registrations to be zero-emission this year has presented challenges. It appears the market has stalled, with year-to-date market share declining from 5.9% in 2023 to 5.8% in 2024.
While the industry has made significant investments to offer a wide range of electric van models, the lack of a comprehensive charging infrastructure remains a major hurdle.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The UK light commercial vehicle market continues to build back after a challenging start to the year, delivering the best performance since 2021 and the unleashing of pent-up demand. Britain’s appetite for zero emission vans continues to lag behind government ambition, however, and market share this year is heading in the wrong direction. With warnings over UK competitiveness now translating into tangible impacts, a fast-tracked review of market regulation is essential to ensure manufacturers can deliver the choice, growth and decarbonisation the nation needs.”
The Ford Transit Custom remains the best selling van in the country with 4,335 registrations this month.
It's ahead of the large Ford Transit van with 3,360 November sales. Borth models currently lead the year-to-date sales figures ahead of the Ford Ranger and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
An interesting addition to the November sales rankings is the Ford Transit Courier which squeezed into 10th position. The Courier was relaunched this year at an attractive price compared to the slightly larger Ford Transit Connect.
